The Masons Arms, Doncaster

Claiming to be the oldest pub in Doncaster, this place has been steadily refurbished with a modern twist but retaining a fairly traditional feel. The Tap Room at the front is green painted and cosy; behind there are several other rooms and a courtyard garden which continues through to the Rum Rooms behind, developed by the jovial West Indian owner from old outbuildings. 6 handpumps keep a changing range of beers, but always including TT Landlord and a dark brew (on this occasion an excellent Titanic Plum Porter), joined on this visit by Ilkley Blonde. Needless to say a wide selection of rums is available.

The main bar area of the Masons, named the Tap Room, is found through a door to the right of the entrance where banquettes running under the front windows are faced by the serving counter. This is a very thin space, but it is the best part of the pub so I imagine it fills up quickly during busy times. I was the only customer during a recent early Tuesday evening visit so I got to spread out while watching muted Journey to the Centre of the Earth on the small television. I had a nose through the back bar to see more seating that is served by a small portion of counter, but I didn’t investigate the rest of the pub on this occasion. Standard and premium keg were available alongside Camden Pale and three of the six hand pumps were in operation drawing Titanic’s Plum Porter, Rudgate’s Jorvik and TT Landlord. I’ll pop back in next time I’m passing at a busier time to see it’s like when there’s more than one customer.

A multi room pub, on entry there’s a door marked taproom leading into a main public bar, down a corridor to the left are more rooms of various sizes. Ahead is the Secret Garden and off to the right a drinking space with access to the servery, not a lot of advertising of beers on sale alas. Two rooms lead off here, one looking like dining only and there’s an upstairs. Six pulls plus kegs, a cider,Landlord and Rudgate Ruby Mild but only in below average condition, two others I forgot to note. Mixed decor I can’t be arsed to describe so I’ll just say eclectic. The Rum Rooms seems to be connected in some way.